ISLAMABAD: Vice chancellors and rectors of federal universities and higher education institutions reaffirmed their commitment to academic excellence, research and innovation at their fourth monthly meeting held at the Head Office of Bahria University, Islamabad.
The forum was established as a follow-up initiative to the deliberations held during the 6th International Students Convention and Expo. Its objective is to strengthen collaboration among higher education institutions across the country and help address challenges facing the sector through collective efforts.
The meeting was attended by vice chancellors and rectors from more than 25 public and private sector universities, along with senior officials of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Prof Dr Saud Altaf represented the National Skills University Islamabad.
The gathering provided a platform for academic leaders to exchange experiences, discuss emerging challenges in higher education and explore opportunities for enhanced inter-university cooperation.
During the proceedings, participants discussed issues related to academic quality, research and innovation, institutional governance, internationalisation, student development and skills enhancement. The forum stressed the importance of collective efforts for promoting excellence in teaching, research and community engagement.
A major highlight of the meeting was a visit to Bahria University’s Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence. The participants were briefed on the centre’s research priorities, ongoing projects and initiatives aimed at promoting AI-driven education, research, innovation and industry collaboration.
The visit provided insights into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of higher education and national development.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from participating institutions to work collectively for the advancement of higher education in Pakistan. The participants reaffirmed their shared vision of fostering academic excellence, research and innovation, effective governance and the development of a skilled workforce capable of meeting national and global challenges.
They also expressed appreciation to Bahria University Vice Chancellor Admiral Abid Hameed and his team for the arrangements, hospitality and successful organisation of the event.
